Made a terrible mistake on my FAFSA for line 45j

Paying for College
1

Since 2016, I have recieved a little bit of support help from my family (I am an independent student but due to a medical condition can only work part time so the extra I get from family goes towards rent). I goofed, and included every cent they’ve given for me since 2016 when it was supposed to just be for the year 2016 itself. This mistake spiked my EFC so I pulled all of my bank statements from 2016 to get the correct amount of money given to me that year and I am waiting for fafsa to give me the go ahead to make that correction. I feel so dumb.

The amount I put in for line 45j was $20,892 when it should have been $10,074. To add to my worry my fafsa has been selected for verification so I am worried the mistake I made will work against me. I am scheduled to graduate in 2019.

Will I lose my FA for making that mistake? Will it be resolved if I correct it? I am fully prepared to show the university my bank statements for 2016, and taxes if they ask. I can’t call and ask them right now as the school is closed for spring break.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

2

You need to correct your FAFSA now.

When everyone is back from Spring Break, you can discuss it in person with the financial aid office.

3

I am waiting to receive my report so I can do the correction.

Also, do schools see the corrections that you’ve made to fafsa? Do they go in to correct things? Sorry for all the questions, all of this is such a worry.

4
5

I was able to edit the fafsa and the EFC went to a reasonable level. It’s amazing how one little mistake can scare a few years off of you.

6

Make sure you have contacted the FA about this.